HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0283.324 2024-2026From: Christin Greenland
Sent: Monday, July 21, 2025 1:04 PM
To: Council Testimony
Subject: I strongly oppose Bill 5.1 as it is currently written
Dear Hawaii County Council Members,
I am strongly opposed to Bill51 as it is currently written. My primary testimony is at the beginning of this email, but I
have included research on Toxoplasmosis and TNR successes that I would appreciate you taking the time to read.
As I hope you are aware, the State of Hawaii has an Animal Cruelty law.
§ 711-1109 Cruelty to animals in the second degree.
(1) A person commits the offense of cruelty to animals in the second degree if the person intentionally, knowingly, or
recklessly:
(a) Overdrives, overloads, tortures, torments, beats, causes substantial bodily injury to, or starves any animal, or
causes the overdriving, overloading, torture, torment, beating, or starving of any animal;
(b) Deprives a pet animal of necessary sustenance or causes that deprivation;
(c) Mutilates, poisons, or kills without need any animal other than insects, vermin, or other pests; provided that the
handling or extermination of any insect, vermin, or other pest is conducted in accordance with standard and acceptable
pest control practices and all applicable laws and regulations;
(d)Keeps, uses, or in anyway is connected with or interested in the management of, or receives money for the
admission of any person to, any place kept or used for the purpose of fighting or baiting any bull, bear, cock, or other
animal, and includes every person who encourages, aids, or assists therein, or who permits or suffers any place to be so
kept or used;
(e) Carries or causes to be carried, in or upon any vehicle or other conveyance, any animal in a cruel or inhumane
manner;
(f) Confines or causes to be confined, in a kennel or cage, any pet animal in a cruel or inhumane manner;
(g) Tethers, fastens, ties, or restrains a dog to a doghouse, tree, fence, or, any other stationary object, or uses a trolley,
trolley with swivels, pulley, cable, running line, or trolley lacking swivels at each end that is designed to attach a dog to
two stationary objects in a configuration that endangers the dog, including preventing the dog from obtaining necessary
sustenance;
(h) Tethers or restrains a dog under the age of six months unless the dog is engaged in an activity supervised by its owner
or an agent of its owner;
(i) Tethers or restrains a dog by a tow or log chain;
0) Tethers or restrains by means of choke collar, pinch collar, or prong collar unless the dog is engaged in an activity
supervised by its owner or an agent of its owner; or It
1 Comm
,7ef.To:
?uf. gate
(k) Assists another in the commission of any act specified in paragraphs (a) through 0).
(2) Subsection (1)(a), (b), (c), (e), (f), (g), and (h) shall not apply to:
(a) Accepted veterinary practices;
(b) Activities carried on for scientific research governed by standards of accepted educational or medicinal practices;
or
(c) Pest control operations conducted pursuant to chapter 149A by a pest control operator licensed pursuant to chapter
460J, if the pest control is performed under a written contract.
(3) Whenever any animal is so severely injured that there is no reasonable probability that its life or usefulness can be
saved, the animal may be immediately destroyed without creating any offense under this section.
(4) Crueltyto animals in the second degree is a misdemeanor, except that if the offense involves ten or more pet
animals in any one instance, then crueltyto animals in the second degree is a class C felony.
§ 711-1100 Definitions.
"Animal" includes every living creature, except a human being.
"Pet animal" means a dog, cat, domesticated rabbit, guinea pig, domesticated pig, or caged birds (passeriformes,
piciformes, and psittaciformes only) so long as not bred for consumption.
Under Bill51, as it is currently written, Hawaii CountywilL be vulnerable to lawsuits., The Bill, at the very least, needs to
be amended so that feeding by certified caretakers is allowed on County property. This program is already in the works
through Aloha Animal Alliance, I ask that you allow it to continue.
Our organization, Jungle Cat Ladies Sanctuary, has been involved in assisting feeders with cat rescue and rehoming on
both County property and other Big Island properties. This can only be successful when the cats are fed in the same
place and at approximately the same time each day.
For instance, two weeks ago a feeder alerted us about an injured kitten at her feeding area. She promptly asked if I could
get this cat veterinary care. I said, yes and 24 hours later she was able to catch the cat so we could help it. If the cats
had not been fed regularly, and in a specific location this may have been impossible and this kitten would have been left
to suffer.
Below are some photos of the cats we have been able to help because they have dedicated feeders who maintain their
colony and know when to ask for help. Because of these feeders we are able to respond quickly (probably faster than
Animal Control). All but two of these cats survived and are currently living at our Sanctuary. Please look at their faces.
We are literally helping the County and Animal Control do their jobs on limited private funds, but it will be a lot harder if
no one is allowed to feed them. Most of these cats camefrom Hawaii County property.
Animal Control is already understaffed. Are sick and injured cats reallywhat the County Council wants our visitors and
children to see when they visit Banyan Drive, Lilioukalani Park or other island locations? This Bill is already getting
national attention, and Hawaii County's reputation will be tarnished if it passes as is.
Adm
rr '41' v1i ;, 0
temnIV
............
14
A 4�, it
I LIP
01
vii
ww "
Oil* "Ait "
P ! 1: ay
"I vell
pi"
Aml
RZ
�g
effect that adult feral cats have on the spread of T. gondii.
Cats are only one part of the life cycle of T. gondii. Wild rats and mice that are rampant on the islands are a major
reservoir for the parasite and likely account for most infections of feral and free -roaming cats in the islands. In studies in
Europe, the control of rodents in the area was considered a protective factor limiting infections.
Once infected, kittens and cats shed potentially infectious oocysts for only about 1-3 weeks. Most T. gondii infections
are likely in cats within the first 6 months of life. Therefore, most adult feral cats are not likely to be ongoing sources of T.
gondii oocysts. A dedicated sterilization/TNRM program would significantly decrease the number of newly infected and
infectious animals by reducing the number of potential infectible hosts (kittens). However, eliminating populations of
adult cats will likely have minimal effect on the transmission of toxoplasmosis.
Studies in Europe indicate that feeding of cats by people reduces the predation on infected rodents, which acted as a
protective factor limiting infections of cats by T. gondii. While cats are still likely to hunt and kill the rodents, they are
Less likely to eat them. Thus, the feeding of sterilized and managed cat colonies by human caretakers plays an
important role in the reduction of the prevalence of T. gondii.
Furthermore, the threat to pregnant women, developing fetuses, and immune compromised people is largely
connected with the handling of feces from litter boxes ('and subsequent poor hand -washing hygiene) of indoor cats, and
therefore has little relevance, if any, to feral cat populations.
Source: https•//www abcdcatsvets,org/guideline-for-toxoplasma-gondii-infection/
TNR research:
To my knowledge, few, if any, systematic TNRM (Trap-Neuter-Rlease-Manage) studies have ever been conducted by
state or federal agencies, so how can the HISC state with any credibility that TNRM programs are not effective means of
population control? SeveralTNRM programs have been conducted whose outcomes indicate that TNRM stabilizes and
eventually reduces feral cat populations. for examples. The Hawaiian Islands are a unique crucible in which a
comprehensive, systematic, and state -sponsored TNRM and population control protocol could be developed. TNRM
isn't a "quick fix" like eradication, but it is far more likely to be successful and sustainable.
TNR works, itjust takes time and dedication. If TNR had been started and supported by the county decades ago, we
wouldn't be in this situation. We need a multifaceted approach that includes county support forTNRM programs,
funding for spay/neuter services, and financial support for sanctuaries. I would hope that you have already read the
following articles that are evidence that TNR works. The weblink to these articles is at the top, followed by summaries of
many public and privately funded TNR success stories.
https•//www alleycat org/resources/trap-neuter-return-research-compendium/
Spain Study Details Potential Long -Term Effectiveness of Trap -Neuter -Return
Luzardo et al. "Four Years of Promising Trap -Neuter -Return (TNR) in Cordoba, Spain: A
Scalable Model for Urban Feline Management" Animals (Basel) 2025 Feb 8;15(4): 482
Starting in 2020, the City of Cordoba, Spain, implemented a TNR program and created a database
with information on 225 cat colonies. Over the course of the time period evaluated, from 2020 to
2024, the City achieved a 95% "sterilization rate" of the "free -roaming cat population," and the authors
observed a reduction of 2.7% in the overall population size of community cats in Cordoba across all
colonies.
In addition to the presentation of descriptive statistics, the authors perform a population viability
analysis (PVA) to estimate the size of population changes over time. Based on the PVA analysis, the
authors conclude that the City was able to achieve "the prevention of an estimated 70% population
growth without intervention" and the authors estimate a "potential 55% population reduction by 2028,
contingent on sustained efforts."
Findings: Committed, sustained, city -supported TNR programs can achieve incredible spay and
neuter rates that could have an impact on community cat populations in just a few years.
Topics: Community Cats, TNR
Florida County Achieves 51% Decrease in Shelter Intake of Cats With Nonlethal Solutions
Francis Hamilton. "Implementing Nonlethal Solutions for Free -Roaming Cat Management in a
County in the Southeastern United States" Frontiers in Veterinary Science 6 (2019): 259.
Three nonlethal approaches to community cats, "low-income spay/neuter vouchers; small- and large-
scale trap, neuter, vaccinate, and return (TNVR); and return to field (RTF)," were successfully
implemented in the public shelter of Hillsborough County, Florida. This paper states that the nonlethal
solutions "assisted -in achieving a 51 % decrease in intake since 2007 and increased the live -release
rate to 81.8% of cats taken in at the Pet Resources Center in 2017."
Findings: Nonlethal approaches to community cat population management, including TNVR and a
focus on spay and neuter, are effective in reducing both shelter intake and in -shelter killing of cats.
Topics: Community Cats, TNR
Bay Area Colony of 175 Reduced to One Through Trap -Neuter -Return
Daniel D. Spehar and Peter J. Wolf. "The Impact of Targeted Trap -Neuter -Return Efforts in the
San Francisco Bay Area" Animals 2020, 1001), 2089 (2020).
In 2004, approximately 175 community cats were living along a trail in Foster City, California. The
city, the Homeless Cat Network, and the community joined forces to humanely stabilize this colony of
cats, and Project Bay Cat was formed. The Homeless Cat Network's volunteers undertook an
intensive TNR effort, with two private veterinary hospitals providing spaying or neutering and
vaccinations for the cats. As of 2020, "an initial population of 175 cats declined by 99.4% over the 16-
year program period. Of the 258 total cats enrolled between 2004 and 2020, only one remained at the
end of the program period."
Findings: When communities come together to support TNR, cats are protected and colonies are
effectively stabilized and reduced.
Topics: Community Cats, TNR
Association between -a Shelter -Neuter -Return Program and Cat Health at a Large Municipal
Animal Shelter (San Jose, CA)
Edinboro Charlotte H Watson Heather N and Anne Fairbrother. "Association between a
shelter -neuter -return program and cat health at a large municipal animal shelter" Journal of
the American Veterinary Medical Association, 238, no. 3 (2016): 298-308.
Initiation of a Shelter -Neuter -Return (SNR) program decreased the number of cats admitted to the
shelter, as well as the number that were killed. Resources to care for cats with Upper Respiratory
Infection (URI) increased, and due to positive changes in the URI treatment protocol, fewer cats were
euthanized for URI, and more cats were treated at lower cost with a shorter shelter stay.
OBJECTIVE To determine effects of a shelter -neuter -return (SNR) program on cat admissions and
health at a large municipal animal shelter in Northern California.
ANIMALS 117,383 cats for which data were recorded in the San Jose Animal Care Center database
between January 1, 2006, and December 31, 2013.
Findings: SNR programs help shelters save more cats.
Topics: Shelters, Cat Health, SNR
Trap -Neuter -Return Humanely Stabilized and Reduced in Size the Merrimack River Colony
"Advocates report success with trap, neuter, return approach to stray cats." LA Times N.p.
29 Sept. 2009. Web. 9 Jan. 2014.
More than 300 community cats lived along the Merrimack River in Newburyport, Massachusetts in
1990. Thirty cats were killed by a private trapping company commissioned by the city, but within two
years, 30 new cats joined the colony. This is a natural phenomenon known as the "vacuum effect."
When cats are removed'from an area, other cats move in to take advantage of the newly available
resources. In 1992, the Merrimack River Feline Rescue Society started a TNR program that stabilized
the colony and resulted in a population decline. Zorro, the last remaining cat from the colony, passed
away in 2009 at age 16. Natural attrition is the normal evolution of TNR.
Findings: TNR is the only effective method for stabilizing and reducing community cat colonies, even
for large, long-standing colonies.
Topics: Community Cats, TNR, Vacuum Effect
Trap -Neuter -Return at Atlantic City Boardwalk Reduces Colony Size Over Time
In 2000, Alley Cat Allies launched the Boardwalk Cats Project, a TNR program for the community
cats ,living around the boardwalk in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Alley Cat Allies teamed up with Atlantic
City's Health Department, the Humane Society of Atlantic City, and local advocates to begin the
model TNR program that stabilized these colonies . Many of the cats trapped were young kittens or
cats socialized enough to be put up for adoption. The rest were returned to the boardwalk, after being
spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and eartipped. When the program started, there were approximately
275 cats living around the boardwalk. As a result of TNR, no kittens have been born at the boardwalk
in over a decade, and the population size has significantly decreased through natural attrition and
adoption. As of 2018, census reports that the number of cats has decreased to 87.
The Boardwalk Cats Project receives outspoken support from Atlantic City's local government, as well
as many local businesses along the boardwalk. The public has responded positively to the program,
which attracts tourists year-round.
Findings: When people learn how positive TNR is for cats and communities, the programs receive
widespread support.
Topics: Community Cats, TNR, Boardwalk Cats Project, Cat Health
55% Reduction in Outdoor Colony Cats Since 2007 in Chicago Neighborhood
"Trap -Neuter -Return Case Study: 55% Reduction in Outdoor Colony Cats Since 2007." Cats in My
Yard. 8 Jan. 2014. Web. 9 Jan. 2014.
In 2007, Chicago group, Cats In My Yard, began carefully tracking its TNR efforts, and the number of
cats living in 19 colonies. Between 2007 and 2013, 1.53 cats in all the colonies went through TNR. By
2013, 70 cats remained. In these seven years, the community cat population in this neighborhood
decreased by 55%.
Findings: From small groups of volunteers to citywide TNR programs, TNR is the only effective
method for stabilizing and reducing community cat colonies.
Topics: Community Cats, TNR
Chicago's Large-scale Trap -Neuter -Return Program Significantly Reduces Colony Size in 23
Zip Codes
Schlueter, J. E-mail message to writer. 16 Jan. 2014.
Funiak, D. and R. Michalek. "Cook County Managed Care of Feral Cats Ordinance Sponsors
Update." Presentation. Tree House Humane Society and PAWS Chicago. 2013.
A countywide TNR program in Cook County, Illinois reduced the size of community cat colonies in 23
zip codes by 41% in just five years. In 2007, Cook County passed legislation that created a formal
structure for a countywide TNR program, with a coalition of private nonprofit organizations assuming
the responsibility for managing community cat colonies. From 2008 to 2012, more than 17,538
community cats in Cook County were spayed or neutered, vaccinated, eartipped, and returned to
their outdoor homes through this program. The coalition compared the number of cats in those zip
codes before they started TNR, and the number five years after. In November 2007, there were 1,329
cats. At the end of 2012, there were only 788. The nonprofit coalition estimates that the program has
prevented the births of tens of thousands of kittens.
Findings: Even in large-scale TNR programs that span multiple zip codes, neighborhoods, and
colonies, TNR reduces colony size across the board.
Topics: Community Cats, TNR, Legislation
Behavioral Differences between Urban Feeding Groups of Neutered and Sexually Intact Free -
Roaming Cats Following a Trap -Neuter -Return Procedure
Finkler, Hilit, Idit Gunther, and Joseph Terkel. "Behavioral differences between urban feeding groups
of neutered and sexually intact free -roaming cats following a trap -neuter -return procedure." Journal
of the American Veterinary Medical Association 238, no. 9 (2011):1141-1149.
Researchers compared data from four community cat colonies: two that were cared for through Trap -
Neuter -Return (TNR), and two that were not. They found a reduction in yowling and fighting,
behaviors that are associated particularly with mating, in the colonies that had been spayed or
neutered. Outdoor cats and communities are better able to coexist when these behaviors aren't
present.
Findings: TNR virtually eliminates undesirable mating behaviors.
Topics: TNR, Cat Health, Community Cat Colonies, Mating Behaviors
The Impact of Anthropogenic Factors on the Behavior, Reproduction, Management and
Welfare of Urban, Free -Roaming Cat Populations
Finkler, Hilit, Erez Hatna, and Joseph Terkel. "The impact of anthropogenic factors on the
behavior, reproduction, management and welfare of urban, free -roaming cat
populations." AnthrozoA¶s 24, no. 1(2011):31-49.
The research in this article indicates that TNR and colony care improve cats' lives by reducing their
stress levels. While looking at the correlation between the level of care provided by cat caregivers
and the economic status of the area in which the cats lived, the authors observed that neutered male
cats were less aggressive than intact males. By testing the levels of stress hormone in their hair, they
confirmed the neutered cats' lower stress levels. They also found that spayed female cats living in
well -maintained colonies experienced less stress than those living in colonies that received less care.
Findings: Being spayed, neutered, and living in well -maintained colonies lessens cats' stress.
Topics: TNR, Cat Health, Colony Care, Stress Levels
Implementation of a Feral Cat Management Program on a University Campus
Hughes, Kathy L. and Margaret R. Slater. "Implementation of a Feral Cat Management Program
on a University Campus." Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science 5, no. 1 (2002): 15-28.
In the first year of a TNR program on the campus of Texas A&M University, 123 cats were trapped. In
the second year, that number decreased to 35. In addition to that, only three kittens were found in the
second year, and researchers determined that these were either lost or abandoned, as no litters or
nursing mothers were seen that year. In just two years, 32 cats and kittens were adopted.
Furthermore, there was a decrease in the number of calls about cats on college property.
Findings: TNR has proven to stabilize large colonies of community cats quickly.
Topics: TNR, Community Cats, Campus Cats
The Effect of Implementing a Feral Cat Spay/Neuter Program in a Florida County Animal
Control Service
Hughes, Kathy L., Margaret R. Slater, and Linda Haller. "The Effects of Implementing a Feral
Cat Spay/Neuter Program in a Florida County Animal Control Service." Journal of Applied
Animal Welfare Science 5 (2002): 285-289.
The authors analyzed data from a community cat spay and neuter program in which volunteers cared
for colonies in Orange County, Florida. They also studied the population of the county in the six years
before the program began, to compare it with the first six years of the program. They found that the
number of calls to animal control about cats, and the number of cats killed by animal control
decreased in the six years after these programs were initiated, even while the human population grew
significantly. In addition, they reported that the morale of those involved improved, and the residents
who participated in the program felt empowered to help community cats in their neighborhoods.
Findings: TNR reduces the number of calls to animal control, cats killed by animal control, and
improves morale.
Topics: TNR, Animal Control, Community Cats
Evaluation of the Effect of a Long -Term Trap -Neuter -Return and Adoption Program on a Free -
Roaming Cat Population
Levy, Julie K., David W. Gale, and Leslie A. Gale. "Evaluation of the Effect of a Long -Term
Trap -Neuter -Return and Adoption Program on a Free- Roaming Cat Population." Journal of
the American Veterinary Medical Association 222, no. 1 (2003): 42-46.
This study tracked a TNR program on the University of Central Florida campus over the course of 11
years to determine how effective TNR was at stabilizing their community cat population. After just four
years, no new kittens were born, and at the end of the study, the overall population of cats had
decreased by 66%. Over 80% of the cats had been residents for more than six years, showing that
TNR keeps colonies stable and healthy year after year.
Findings: On university campuses, TNR has proven to stabilize community cat populations in the
short and long term.
Topics: TNR, Community Cats, Campus Cats, Cat Health
Management of Feral Domestic Cats in the Urban Environment of Rome (Italy)
Natoli, Eugenia, et. al. "Management of Feral Domestic Cats in the Urban Environment of
Rome (Italy)." Preventative Veterinary Medicine 77 (2006): 180-185.
Examining a well -established TNR program in Italy over 10 years showed that a long-term program
significantly reduces community cat colony size.. Colony size consistently decreased over the time
period, ranging from a 16% decline in colonies spayed or neutered three years into the program, to a
32% decrease in colonies spayed or neutered six years in. As the program became more visible, the
number of registered colonies increased from 76 to 965. Furthermore, community education, the
authors write, is crucial to preventing intact pet cats from joining the community cat population.
Findings: Community education is crucial to developing long-term TNR programs and caring for
colonies.
Topics: Education, TNR, Community Cats
Effect of Neutering on Two Groups of Feral Cats
Neville, P.F. and J. Remfry. "Effect of Neutering on Two Groups of Feral Cats." The
Veterinary Record 114 (1984): 447-450.
Researchers studied two colonies in Regent's Park, London, to determine whether spaying or
neutering had any negative effects on the social structure of the colony, or on individual cats. No
negative health effects were observed, and the social bond between members of the colony
strengthened after the cats were spayed or neutered. Cats spent more time in groups, showed fewer
aggressive behaviors toward one another, and fought less. During the course of the study, no new
litters were born.
Findings: TNR has positive effects on the social structure of cat colonies.
Topics: Community Cats, TNR, Cat Health
Body Condition of Feral Cats and the Effect of Neutering
Scott, Karen C., Julie K. Levy, and Shawn P. Gorman. "Body Condition of Feral Cats and the
Effect of Neutering." Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science 5, no. 3 (2002): 203-213.
This study examined the effects of spaying or neutering on community cat health by measuring the
body conditions of cats upon trapping, and again one year later. The cats who were trapped initially
were lean but not emaciated. 14 cats were retrapped one year after spaying or neutering, and they
showed significant increases in weight and improvements in body condition. In addition, caregivers
reported that the cats had a decreased tendency to roam after being spayed or neutered.
Findings: TNR improves weight and body condition of cats.
Topics: Community Cats, TNR, Cat Health
Analyzing Approaches to Feral Cat ManagementOne Size Does Not Fit All
Stoskopf, M. and F. Nutter. "Analyzing approaches to feral cat management — one size does
not fit all." Journal of American Veterinary Medical Association 225, no. 9 (2004): 1361-1364
In this study, researchers observed spayed or neutered community cat colonies and intact colonies in
North Carolina. They found that TNR stabilizes colonies and causes population decline over time. All
six spayed or neutered colonies decreased in population during the first two years of study, with an
average decrease of 36%, and continued to decline. During the same two years, the three intact
colonies significantly increased in size, with an average increase of 47%.
Findings: Community cat colonies who go through TNR decrease in size, while colonies that are not
spayed or neutered increase.
Topics: Community Cats, TNR
Managing Feral Cats on a University's Campuses: How Many Are There and Is Sterilization
Having an Effect?
Jones, A. and C. Downs. "Managing feral cats on a university's campuses: How many are
there and is sterilization having an effect?" Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science 14 no.
4 (2011): 304-320.
The study provides a snapshot of community cat colonies at eight sites across five campuses of a
South African university. These colonies had different levels of sterilization and colony management.
The researchers provide projections as to what would happen to the population over the course of
five years, depending on the percentage of the cats who were spayed or neutered. If none were
spayed or neutered, the population would double. If 100% were spayed or neutered, the population
would be cut in half. The population would stabilize with 55% spayed or neutered. As this research
demonstrates, it is not necessary to have 75% or more cats spayed or neutered to have an effect on
a population of community cats.
Findings: Even if you can't spay or neuter every community cat right away, you can still make a
difference.
Topics: Community Cats, TNR, Campus Cats
Washington, D.C. Cat Colony Stabilized and Eventually Reduced to Zero
A TNR program in the Adams Morgan neighborhood of Washington, D.C. reduced a colony of
54 community cats to zero cats.
This colony resulted in the founding of Alley Cat Allies in 1990, just a few months after the co-
founders began helping the caregivers carry out a .formal program to help the 54 cats. Caregivers and
volunteers placed socialized kittens in homes, and implemented TNR for the rest of the colony. In
addition to stabilizing the population, TNR also reduced mating -related behaviors, such as fighting
and roaming, making the cats .less noticeable. Furthermore, the health of the cats also improved. By
November 1997, seven years after the TNR program started, only six cats remained in the alley. The
last cat from the colony died in 2007 at age 17.
Findings: TNR allows cats to live out happy, healthy lives in their outdoor home, eventually reducing
colonies size.
Topics: TNR, Community Cats
Thank you,
Christin Greenland
11-3923 11 th St
Volcano, HI 96785
10